In addition to a playground and surrounding green space, Jonas Park is home to a pavilion marking the connection of Ontario’s section of The Great Trail of Canada in honour of Canada’s 150^th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. From the pavilion, you can embark upon one of the most magnificent and diverse journeys in the world. Whether heading east, west, north or south, The Great Trail – created by Trans Canada Trail and its partners – offers all the natural beauty, rich history and enduring spirit of our land and its peoples.

The Great Trail

www.thegreattrail.ca

Launched in 1992, just after Canada’s 125^th anniversary of Confederation, The Great Trail was conceived by a group of visionary and patriotic individuals as a means to connect Canadians from coast to coast to coast. Given Canada’s vastness, varied terrain and sparse population, it was a bold – almost impossible – undertaking.

Today, the Trail stretches nearly 24,000 kilometres, giving Canadians, now and for generations to come, a way to honour our shared history by retracing many of the routes that charted our nation’s development.

Paddlers can explore the rivers and lakes first traversed by Indigenous peoples and voyageurs; hikers and horseback riders can meander the paths travelled by our first settlers; and cyclists can pedal the former railways that powered early industry.

With hundreds of sections, The Great Trail is a trail of trails, running through urban, rural and wilderness areas, including all provincial and territorial capitals and many of our country’s provincial, territorial and national parks.

The Great Trail provides Canadians and visitors alike with free, accessible recreational infrastructure promoting healthy living, active transportation and an appreciation for Canada’s natural heritage.

Each Trail section also serves to shine the spotlight on that region’s unique history, geographical charms and cultural heritage, making it an important asset for local tourism.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the Trail is its grassroots nature. For decades, volunteer groups and communities from the Atlantic to the Arctic and the Pacific Oceans, have worked diligently towards realizing the grand dream of connecting Canadians to their land and to one another. These dedicated Trail builders overcame the challenges of difficult terrain and scarce resources through hard work and optimism, resulting in the creation of the world’s longest and grandest trail; one that connects over 15,000 communities.

Bolstering their efforts have been thousands of generous and loyal donors, all levels of government, and a host of dedicated patrons, National Champions, board members and staff. While often invisible, their support has been critical to the development of the Trail. On behalf of the people of Canada, Trans Canada Trail extends its heartfelt gratitude to each and every person who has helped to make this bold dream a reality.

The Great Trail is a sacred place; a place to stand and reflect, a place for discovery and pleasure. It’s common ground that gives birth to new dreams and destinies.

Find it. Use it. Cherish it.

No matter your age, your passions or your beliefs, there is a link that connects us all.

(Photo provided by Van Pelt’s Business Solutions)